 | Welcome to our updated website! About us...The Orthodox Christian Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Concord, NH celebrated its first Vigil and Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Dormition of our Lady, the Theotokos, August 15/28, 1981. The clergy and laity of the parish place themselves under the mighty protection of the most holy Mother of God (in Greek Theotokos). At the time the first Liturgy was celebrated, the church was a small temple occupying a room just 12 x 15 feet on the first floor of the priest's house. With the growth of the parish and after much struggle and prayer, the present building was purchased in June of 1993. In 2012, the Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Church became a member of the Eparchial Synod of the Church of the Genuine Orthodox Christians of America (GOC of America), presided by Demetrios, the Metropolitan of America. The GOC of America is an autonomous eparchy of the Church of the Genuine Orthodox Christians of Greece, presided by His Beatitude, Kallinikos, Archbishop of Athens. The Dormition of the Theotokos parish is comprised of families from English, Greek, Russian, French, Italian, and German descent, with many converts to the Orthodox faith. * Services are conducted primarily in English, though Greek and Russian are used by request. Vistors are always welcome to our services and a community meal is held each Sunday and on feast days immediately following the Divine Liturgy. * Should you wish to receive the Mystery of Holy Communion, please contact Father Andrew in advance. The full yearly cycle of Orthodox Christian services are celebrated according to the Traditional Ecclesiastical (Julian) calendar. Matins and the Divine Liturgy is celebrated each and every Sunday and on major feast days. Great Vespers is served on Saturday evenings and the evening before a great feast. Please see our schedule for more information about future services. About the Julian CalendarOur services follow the Julian Calendar. We do not participate in ecumenical associations. As members of the Church, we worship in the: "...House of God, which is the
Church of the living God, the PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH." (Tim
3:15). Scripture defines the Church as the "Pillar and Ground of the Truth". Thus we find this to be clear, that the myriad of Churches with conflicting dogmas, cannot be the "Pillar of Truth". As there is but one truth there can be only one Church. Concerning the Church Calendar, to an Orthodox Christian, the Calendar of the Church directs much of their life. According to the Church Calendar, they know when to fast, when to prepare for major Feast Days (holidays), when to celebrate the Feast Days and for how long (Feasts in the Church often extend for 7 days, though Pascha is celebrated for forty days). The life of the Orthodox Christian is one of anticipation for the start of the next Fast and of joyous celebration that follows. Much has been written concerning the change of the Church's liturgical calendar and the great disruption and turmoil it has caused. If you are interested to learn more about the change of the Church calendar, contact us and we can suggest additional resources. We have provided an edifying collection of articles concerning the Orthodox Christian faith and hope you will profit spiritually and enjoy.  |